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Betta, or Siamese Fighting Fish
   Betta splendens

   My Experience (summary of my own keeping)

Bettas are something of their own entity within the aquarium community. As opposed to other fish, at pet shops the betta is often sold in little plastic cups. This practice is odd and because of the male betta's behaviors and appearance it has its pros and cons. The benefit is that when the males are placed together, they will fight to the death. The males could be placed in separate tanks amongst the other fish for sale, but the male's extravagant fins could be targets for more aggressive fish. The fins make the males cumbersome and tankmates have to be chosen carefully. Some cons are the obvious cramped quarters and the impression this can leave on novice fish hobbyists.

Just because a fish is sold in a cup, doesn't mean it requires any less space than any other living creature. The culture of betta-keeping is to place them in a small bowl or other habitat with minimal comforts such as lack of aeration. An ideal betta set-up is a community tank that is basically "baby-proof." In other words, no sharp objects that could harm the fish. Also, tankmates should not be overly aggressive as male bettas are particularly slow and their fins are easy targets. Another good set-up is a small tank with aeration and at least one decoration for shyer fish. The gills of bettas and other fish called "labyrinth fish/anabantoids" have the ability to breathe air because the fish's natural environments lack proper aeration, but for the fish's health and well-being, aeration is a needed comfort.

   Basic Behavior (based upon observations, readings and conversations)

Males will inflict mortal wounds/kill each other.

Females can be kept together, but mixing males and females is not advised.

   Food Preference (brands and types)

Tetra® TetraMin® Tropical Flakes

Top Fin® Freeze-Dried Bloodworms

   Links

http://www.bettatalk.com

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=betta

   Name Ideas

Below is a list of names I have used for my own fish:

   Angelus
   Hercules
   Podge
   Scooby
   Sir "Remmy" Remington, I